Posts made in October 2021

Bugatti Ending Chiron Production

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With global demand for the Bugatti Chiron surging in Q3 2021, production of the limited run of 500 has now entered its final phase. Fewer than 40 Chiron models remain available to order, in a Chiron Pur Sport or Super Sport model, rounding off a remarkable era of Bugatti’s history

The Bugatti Chiron quickly established itself as the new benchmark of the hyper sports car market. As the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the marque’s 112-year history, the Chiron pushed the boundaries of automotive design, technology, engineering and manufacturing.

Four years since the very first of 500 bespoke units left the Atelier in Molsheim, the Chiron now enters its final production phase in Pur Sport and Super Sport form only, with less than 40 build slots left to be allocated. The final units of the Chiron and Chiron Sport are already being handcrafted, or scheduled to be built at Bugatti’s Molsheim Atelier, making way for the final encore of the Chiron era.

Since its highly anticipated reveal at the Geneva International Motorshow in 2016, the global success of Bugatti’s most recent hyper sports car platform has been unprecedented. 18 months after its initial announcement, 300 of the limited 500 series run of the Chiron had been sold. This sales momentum has continued throughout the years and into 2021, despite global challenges such as COVID-19. The United States is Chiron’s strongest market, contributing significantly to a record-breaking quarter in Q3, which welcomed Chiron sales that doubled year-on-year and even tripled in some regions.

With the revival of in-person events such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and a range of exclusive customer and media drive events, the Chiron continues to help drive Bugatti’s momentum, attracting universal acclaim, as the model becomes an increasingly rare proposition.

Hendrik Malinowski, Director of Sales and Operations, comments: “Our discerning customer base across the world consists of true Bugatti connoisseurs. They are hard-working, self-made individuals who regard owning one or multiple Bugatti masterpieces as the realization of a dream. They understand the devotion behind the pioneering design and engineering of each Chiron model. Their appreciation for the provenance and performance of our hyper sports cars comes from a genuine passion for the brand.

“With the Chiron Pur Sport and Super Sport, we are offering customers the culmination of years of continual development of the Chiron platform. This spectrum of performance, whether it be hitting the apex on-track, or cruising on Autobahns in total luxury, takes the Chiron to an entirely new level. Now with so few build slots remaining, the purity of the W16 recipe is being honored in style.”

Hitting the ground running

Throughout its lifetime, the Chiron has collected a multitude of accolades for its design and performance capabilities, solidifying its position in automotive history as one of the all-time greats. With a peak power output of 1,500 PS-a record for a series-production vehicle-1,600 newton meters and a host of surplus technological innovations, the Chiron redefined the pinnacle of automotive engineering in the 2010s. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, 200 km/h is reached in 6.1 seconds, with the 300 km/h mark achieved in 13.1 seconds.

The Chiron wasted no time in securing its first production car record in 2017, setting a new 0-400-0 km/h world record in a mere 41.96 seconds – the fastest time ever reached and officially measured at the time. Continuing a run of unrelenting success, just two years later, the Chiron reached speeds once thought to be unreachable by a road car. A near production prototype derivative of the hyper sports car surpassed the magic 300 mph limit with a speed of 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h)-a world record that stunned the automotive world and secured the Chiron’s status as an unquestionable automotive legend.

Building on a winning formula

Joining the Chiron family in 2020, the Chiron Pur Sport built upon the exceptional Chiron foundation to offer customers a truly uncompromising hyper sports car that is optimized for dynamic agility and downforce. With an entirely new aerodynamic, transmission and weight configuration, the Chiron Pur Sport effortlessly delivers the pin-sharp handling of a thoroughbred, hitting apexes in its stride. A 50-kilogram weight reduction and firmer suspension, combined with a 1.90 meter rear wing and close-ratio transmission mean the Chiron Pur Sport radiates connection and feel between driver and road surface.

2021 saw the unveiling of Bugatti’s latest masterpiece–the Chiron Super Sport–which alongside the Pur Sport will make up the final 40 units of Bugatti’s 500-strong Chiron production run. As the quintessence of luxury and speed, the Chiron Super Sport has been designed to embrace supreme longitudinal speed without compromising luxury and comfort.

As such, the Chiron Super Sport is regarded as the ultimate Grand Tourisme, capable of crossing continents in a heartbeat. Defined by its longtail design, the Super Sport achieves extreme levels of aerodynamic efficiency, enabling the hyper sports car to reach speeds of up to 440 km/h. With an upgraded version of the renowned Bugatti 8.0-liter W16 engine, the Super Sport outputs 1,600PS – increasing power by 100PS over the base Chiron.

Ed Sheeran × First Listen

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Ed Sheeran is counting down to the release of his new album = with a very special Apple Music “First Listen” global live-stream celebration next week, Thursday, October 28 at 8:30pm BST / 12:30pm PST / 3:30pm EST only on Apple Music HERE.

During the event, Ed Sheeran will join Apple Music’s Zane Lowe live to play new songs from ‘=,’ to chat about the new album, and to answer questions from fans.

After four years in the making, Ed Sheeran is back with “=,” the fourth installment of his symbol album series following his full length debut “+”, breakthrough “x”, and record setting “÷.” “=” is preceded by hit singles “Bad Habits” and “Shivers.” Fans can Pre-add “=” now on Apple Music.

First Listen

First Listen is a series of free Apple Music hosted virtual launch parties, harkening back to the album listening parties of yore but now with almost unlimited ways for artists to connect with and treat their biggest fans to something special before releasing new music to the world. Acting as a live event extension of some of Apple Music’s most popular and influential playlists, these virtual listening parties could include everything from unreleased tracks, to special surprise guests and more. Previous events featured some of the world’s biggest artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, BLACKPINK, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, Moneybagg Yo, Migos, Dan + Shay, Belly, J Balvin and many more.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is an English singer/songwriter; one of the most successful artists of all time with 150 million records sold. He’s known for his relatable lyrics, smooth, sultry vocals and his ginger hair. He’s most known for songs such as Grammy-winning “Shape of You,” “Thinking of You,” and “Perfect.” He’s also the founder of Gingerbread Man Records. His next album, “=” is set to be released on October 29, 2021.

Geppi Collection Opens at LOC

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A new exhibition at the Library of Congress explores how comic books have permeated popular entertainment and influenced U.S. culture, highlighting selections from the Stephen A. Geppi Collection that was generously donated to the national library in 2018.

“Geppi Gems” is now open in the Library’s Graphic Arts Gallery through mid-March 2022. A second rotation with different items is planned for spring 2022. The exhibition now features 33 items from the collection of more than 3,000 cartoons, comic books and related items in the Geppi Collection.

The wide range of rare comics on view span genres including Walt Disney’s iconic characters, westerns, superheroes, science fiction, horror, sports, music and entertainment.

“Popeye, Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther — some cartoon characters have become both instantly and internationally recognizable, but they didn’t get their start on television or in the movies, but rather on the pages of newspapers and comic books,” said Sara Duke, curator of popular and applied graphic arts, who wrote about the exhibition on the Library’s Picture This blog.

The exhibition explores the role of early newspapers in the development of comic books and characters. As a nod to the collection’s founder, the exhibition also represents the major themes of the former Geppi Entertainment Museum in Baltimore, which operated between 2006 and 2018.

“It’s so gratifying to see more of the Geppi Gems collection made available to the public in this exhibition,” Geppi said. “This and future displays will continue to expose new fans to the rich artistic history of pop culture started here in the United States. I’m more excited than ever and want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to my dear friend and Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, for her vision, as well as the curators and conservators who have worked so hard to make this possible.”

Over the years, Geppi has amassed one of the largest individual collections of vintage comic books and pop culture artifacts in the world.

Highlights of the exhibition include:

Popeye in an early syndicated newspaper comic strip from 1931 when the character’s popularity was exploding.
Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck during their rise in popularity as animated characters. Walt Disney understood the role of marketing his characters so that they would be instantly recognizable.
Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp and Steve McQueen as characters from America’s Wild West translated from Western novels to radio, comics, film and television.
Superman’s history with Action Comics and the birth of the comic book superhero from DC Comics, along with examples from the history of Batman and Robin and Wonder Woman.
Black Panther’s self-titled debut from Marvel Comics in 1977 and the story of Captain America in The Avengers before he became one of the most popular comic book characters today.
Science fiction’s history in comics with examples of dramatic visual expression, including Weird Science and Science and Invention.
Terrifying creatures of horror that were brought to visual life through comics in magazines like Creepy.
Sports as represented through comic books and cartoon art, including Babe Ruth Sports.
Pop culture represented in posters, magazines and collectibles promoting musicians through graphic art, including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, The Jackson 5 and more.

Free timed entry tickets are available for visitors to the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4

p.m. To plan a visit and reserve tickets, go to loc.gov/visit. Tickets will be released on a rolling 30-day basis. For online versions of the Library’s exhibitions, visit loc.gov/exhibits.

Geppi is the founder, owner, chairman and CEO of Geppi Family Enterprises, a Baltimore-based network of pop culture companies including Diamond Comic Distributors, Diamond UK, Gemstone Publishing, E. Gerber, Baltimore Magazine, Diamond International Galleries, Diamond Select Toys, Alliance Game Distributor, Diamond Book Distributors, Hake’s Auctions, Art Asylum, Gentle Giant, Sapphire Studios and the recently acquired Collectible Grading Authority.

About the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

Fifteen Tips for an Effective Job Search

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Job searching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, either. There are many factors to consider when you’re looking for your next position, but you can break them down into three basic stages: assess, research, and apply.

By working through these stages, you can significantly decrease stress and find your next job quickly. Let’s get started!

Stage 1: Assess

Before you update your LinkedIn account or start searching job boards, begin by deciding what qualities you’re looking for in a job.

Get out a journal and your colored pens, and work through the following brainstorming questions to set a solid foundation for yourself. You’ll use these notes to filter possible jobs later on in the research stage.

Check Your Hours

Job hours vary widely. Consider the difference between a regular 9-to-5 and a job waiting tables or working retail. Ask yourself the following questions to decide what kind of job would work best for you:

How many hours a week do you want to work? Remember to consider other responsibilities, and don’t overload yourself if you can help it.
What kind of job hours have you worked before, and what did you like/dislike about them?
Do you prefer a regular, dependable schedule or schedules that vary week to week?
Are you okay with overtime?

Consider Pay

Next, think about compensation. Don’t shortchange yourself, but do be realistic about what companies offer, especially if this is your first job. To get a better sense of your paycheck goals, ask yourself these questions:

What are my living expenses month-to-month?
What are my savings goals?
What percentage of my paycheck will go to taxes (local, state, and federal)?
Do I have a buffer in case of emergencies?

While you’re thinking about pay, also consider company benefits:

Do you want a pension, 401(k), or a company savings plan?
What kind of health care package do you need?
How many days of paid time off would you like?

Integrate Personal Goals

Think about how you’d like your job to connect with the rest of your life. Do you have personal goals that you can combine with work?

Do you want the option of a raise in the near future?
Do you want to go back to school eventually?
What personal growth goals do you have for yourself?
What positive benefits do you hope to receive from your job, other than financial pay?

Determine Your Working Style

Learning about yourself and how you work best is a life-long process. Start with what you already know and consider what kind of job environment would best suit you. Below are some questions to help you get started:

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Do you enjoy working with others or by yourself?
Do you operate better in quiet or crowded settings?
How much oversight do you need to feel motivated?
How do you communicate with others best?

Decide on Location

Location is another essential factor to consider during the assessment stage. Many people move when they get a new job. However, in the last few years, remote work options have increased. Answer these questions next:

Does working remotely sound amazing to you?
Are you excited to work in an office?
Would you be willing to move for a job?
If so, where would you be excited to move?

Stage 2: Research

Great work! Now that you’ve considered your side of the working relationship, it’s time to look at your potential employers. Take a break, grab a coffee, and get started!

Keep a Record

Before you start searching, make a spreadsheet to keep track of what you find. Add categories for company names, job roles, pay, benefits, hours, notes, and your current application status.

Filling out this spreadsheet as you go will save you a lot of time and confusion later.

Search Job Boards

Now that your spreadsheet is all set up, you’re ready to start searching! Here’s where your notes from earlier come in handy. Use the filters offered on the job sites below to streamline your searches based on personal preferences. This list of job sites is by no means exhaustive, but it’s an excellent place to start:

Indeed
SimplyHired
Handshake
LinkedIn
Monster Jobs
Glassdoor
Hired

Talk to People

Don’t conduct all of your research over a computer screen. Talk to people you know and let them know you’re job searching. Many work opportunities come through word of mouth. Consider taking these additional steps to round out your research:

Message an employee over LinkedIn and ask for a phone call.
Schedule an in-person peer interview.
Talk to people you know who work for the company or work similar jobs.
Go to networking events and career fairs.

One thing that sometimes goes unsaid is to ask for help if your mental health is affecting your search. Finding gainful employment is essential, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

Dig Deeper

To get a better picture of the companies you’re considering, check their websites. Google them and read employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor. Just remember that for every angry review you read, there may be 10 happy employees.

Stage 3: Apply

Now that your research is complete, you should have new connections and a spreadsheet filled with multiple job opportunities. Time for stage three: applying. Here’s how to move through the application process and get hired.

Update Your LinkedIn Account

Four people are hired every minute through LinkedIn. Updating your LinkedIn profile makes it easy for recruiters to find you and gives them easy access to more information about you. Get professional headshots and update your LinkedIn profile before you start sending out applications.

Revamp Your Resume

If you are applying to high-competition positions with many applicants, your resume may be read by a machine rather than a person. So, while it may be tempting to make your resume look stylish and artsy, it’s better for you to make it scannable. Use clear sections, a simple font, and dark headlines.

Avoid images and incorporate your LinkedIn account into your contact information instead. Tailor each resume you send out to fit the company role you hope to fill.

Write Cover Letters

Personalize your application further by also including a cover letter. There you can share what you can bring to each company and why you’re excited to work with them.

Make it clear that you’ve researched their company and that you align with their values. Be clear and personable, and end with a thank you.

Apply In-Person

If you can, deliver your resume and cover letter in-person. Making personal contact with your future employer makes it far more likely that they’ll hire you.

Hiring is a time-consuming and challenging process – it’s not fun for companies, either! Give relief to the hiring manager by making yourself an easy choice for the position.

Pass the Interview

Interviews don’t have to be stressful. Remember: an interview is your chance to get to know a company just as much as it’s their chance to talk to you. Ask questions, listen, and be genuine.

Working with a company is a partnership, and an interview helps both parties know if it will be a long-lasting and successful one. Do your research and connect genuinely with your interviewers.

Follow Up

After applications and interviews, send follow-up emails. This extra bit of human contact shows companies you care and reminds them of your name. You know that you’d be a fantastic employee – show them that by using your excellent people skills.

Be creative and take every opportunity to show companies that you’re personable, motivated, and genuine. Hopefully, you’ll hear back from several potential employers soon.

Congratulations!

At this point, you’ve done everything you can. Take a breather, and rest. Remember that it can take a long time for hiring agents to get back to you, so be patient.

It’s a good idea to repeat the cycle of assessing, researching, and applying at least once while you wait for responses. More experience with the process may have changed your priorities or opened up new questions. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something you didn’t initially think would work for you.

Happy job searching!

ITALKI: A GLOBAL LANGUAGE LEARNING COMMUNITY

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Although excessive screen time is often frowned upon, language experts say that watching shows in a foreign language – if done with near obsession – can help someone learn that language. Since its Netflix release in September, Korean thriller Squid Game has become an international phenomenon.

We’ve relied on online platforms like Netflix more than ever these last two years, proving that the streaming platform can inspire one to learn a language through entertainment.

italki, the premiere online language platform, can help even the most devout Squid Game enthusiast take their curiosity of Korean culture to the next level with dedicated 1-on-1 lessons. The online platform currently offers 150+ languages taught by teachers from 180 countries.

“In the US we’ve seen a 15% increase in demand for Korean language lessons in the past 3 weeks” says Kevin Chen, founder of italki. Korean is the 6th most studied language in the US on the platform. So far, nearly 30,000 italki teachers have helped 10 million users from 190 or from all over the world countries learn a new language more effectively and efficiently.

“Most of my students have already learned the Korean alphabet, called Hangeul, for themselves before taking their very first lesson. That’s why they understand its structure and how it works pretty much well. There are some who believe all the Asian languages are a lot in common as European languages originated from Latin are, which actually are not true.” says italki Teacher Karen. “I am also a big fan of BTS, one of the biggest Boyband in the world. Also, some of my students are fans of K-Pop stars, Korean actors or actresses. There are a growing number of people who get interested in K-Pop, K-Movie, K-Drama, K-Food, K-Beauty, etc. Sometimes, their interest in Korean culture encourages students to learn Korean continuously”

Apart from grammar, vocabulary, and the technical building blocks of language, learning a language means learning the culture. Learning a language through video chat or italki’s own “italki Classroom” would have offered a private and supportive environment.

“I’ve seen an article about the drama that has earned a critics’ score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and also became the most popular show on Netflix ever. People started making merchandising of the Squid Game Netflix show and I’ve been seeing those all over social media. So yes, I can say I’ve noticed an increase in the popularity of Korean culture.” says italki Community Tutor Gio. “I think people sometimes underestimate the importance of Hangul, which is the Korean alphabet. Memorizing Hangul is inevitable for learning Korean. But it might take more time than you expected. Even if memorizing Hangul takes some time, I hope people know that they have to endure it to move on to the next level.”

If you would like to speak with our teachers Gio and Karen, to get their thoughts on the popularity of Korean Culture as it relates to online learning, please let us know. italki also offers the gift of language through its gift cards throughout the holiday season and beyond: https://www.italki.com/giftcards

About italki

italki is a global language learning community that connects students and teachers for 1-on-1 online language lessons. At italki, we believe that human interaction and cultural sharing are the best way to become fluent in a foreign language. With over 5 million students and 10,000 high-quality teachers teaching more than 130 languages, italki helps everyone with their personal journey to fluency. Learn more at www.italki.com and follow their social channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

BOSLEN – DUSK TO DAWN

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BOSLEN RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR “FORSAKEN” FEATURING VORY

WATCH HERE

DEBUT ALBUM DUSK to DAWN OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

“Redefining what Black music can look, feel and sound like” – FADER

“Boslen is on a clear cut path for international stardom.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“Boslen has been making a name for himself” – HotNewHipHop

After racking up millions of streams and receiving acclaim from COMPLEX, Lyrical Lemonade, HotNewHipHop, and more, Vancouver-bred genre-defying artist Boslen unveils the music video for “FORSAKEN (feat. Vory)” today. Watch it HERE. It stands out as the latest highlight from his tastemaker-praised debut album, DUSK to DAWN – out now via Chaos Club Digital / Capitol Records. Listen HERE.

“The FORSAKEN” music video is the visual representation of an unfiltered tormenting battle that I and many others face when seeing the end of a relationship before it arrives.” – Boslen

Directed by Cole Muters, produced by Jacob Green, and Creative Directed by Natasha Dion, the visual brings the lyrics and mood to life with intimate closeups of this bold boundary breaker against a lush backdrop.

DUSK to DAWN has already eclipsed over 9.6 million-plus streams and counting in addition to inciting widespread critical applause. Atwood Magazine hailed it as “a raw reckoning manifest in music: The kind of record that needs to be felt in full in order to be understood at its core,” and HotNewHipHop praised “his vibe is ambitious, cinematic, and sometimes reminiscent of earlier Travis Scott releases.” EARMILK christened him “a new voice in hip-hop, taking a refreshingly personal angle on the genre and establishing himself as an exciting, multi-faceted artist to watch,” and FLAUNT put it best, “Boslen is a whole vibe, and we can’t get enough.”

Featuring guest spots from Tyla Yaweh, Vory, Dro Kenji, Rascalz, and Charmaine, DUSK to DAWN draws its undeniable power from Boslen’s boundary-pushing vocal experiments, shapeshifting transitions, and heavier production than he’s attempted before. After opening on the soulful minimalism of “DUSK” the album cycles through an entire spectrum of textures and moods, ultimately arriving at the beautifully warped “DAWN.” Naming hyper-creative artists like Kid Cudi among his main inspirations, Boslen notes that DUSK to DAWN emerged from a desire to explore how vulnerability and self-empowerment can co-exist.

2021 Collegiate Inventors Competition

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5 Student Teams’ Innovations Win 2021 Collegiate Inventors Competition

A glimpse into the future of American innovation and emerging technological trends from the nation’s brightest young innovators — from a robot used in search and rescue situations to an accessible COVID-19 testing solution — were recognized and honored this week at the 2021 Collegiate Inventors Competition^®, an annual competition for college and university students and their advisers.

Finalist teams (six Undergraduate and six Graduate), consisting of 20 students from 13 colleges and universities across the United States, presented their inventions in a virtual format to an esteemed panel of final-round judges composed of the most influential inventors and innovation experts in the nation — National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF) Inductees and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officials.

“As our world’s challenges continue to grow in complexity, we increasingly need to look to the next generation of innovators to meet these problems head on,” said NIHF CEO Michael Oister. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate this latest group of collegiate inventors who are committed to creating a better future for us all.”

Established in 1990, the Collegiate Inventors Competition is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and is sponsored by the USPTO and Arrow Electronics (Arrow Electronics People’s Choice Award). In addition to cash awards, the winning teams also receive an opportunity to meet with a NIHF Inductee for mentorship and advice, and a USPTO Patent Acceleration Certificate.

FIRST-PLACE WINNERS ($10,000 PRIZE)

UNDERGRADUATE:

EarFlow, Harvard University

Team Member: Eva Cai; Advisers: Samir Mitragotri, Aaron Remenschneider

An easier treatment for healthier ears: Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is a painful condition triggering excess fluid production in the middle ear, affecting the eardrum by altering its vibration and hearing levels. It is especially common in young children. EarFlow is a drug delivery device that is placed on a patient’s eardrum to deliver dexamethasone, a steroid, and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, to the middle ear to treat otitis media. Placing the device takes less than five minutes in a doctor’s office and does not require general anesthesia. With low cytotoxicity and low risk of hearing damage, EarFlow offers a vast improvement from standard treatments for recurrent infections.

GRADUATE:

SolarClear, Stony Brook University

Team Member: Shrish Patel; Adviser: Alexander Orlov

A better solar panel cleaning solution: Dust storms, especially in the Western United States, Middle East and North Africa, are a significant problem for large-scale solar power plants. While solutions exist to clean them off, they are impractical and expensive. Cleaning a typical utility-scale solar installation requires a staggering 600,000 to 1 million gallons of potable water. SolarClear addresses this problem by using autonomous waterless cleaning technology that is both significantly more effective and efficient compared to existing technologies. Additionally, the unique design of the electrodes that are used in the system makes SolarClear economically viable for utility-scale installation in the desert.

RUNNER-UP WINNERS ($5,000 PRIZE)

UNDERGRADUATE:

Augment Health Bladder Management System, Georgia Institute of Technology

Team Members: Stephen Kalinsky, Jared Meyers; Adviser: Martin Jacobson

Smart monitoring that can empower millions: Over 6.5 million people in the United States alone have limited bladder sensation. They cannot feel when their bladder is full and often suffer incontinence. Many use incontinence products or a catheter and collection bag. Often, these solutions lead to urinary tract infections and are costly, difficult and embarrassing to manage. The Augment Health Bladder Management System is a noninvasive connection between a catheter and catheter valve that monitors the bladder and tells the user when it is full via their smart device, eliminating the need for obtrusive incontinence products. This invention has the potential to reduce costs and infections, restore dignity and offer better quality of care.

GRADUATE:

VirSENSE, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Team Member: Maha Alafeef; Adviser: Dipanjan Pan

An accessible COVID-19 testing solution: To manage and ultimately control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, rapid, inexpensive and easily deployable testing is crucial. It’s for this reason that Maha Alafeef created VirSENSE, a rapid test for COVID-19 that users can administer entirely at home. Using an electrochemical biosensor paired with an electrical reader, the test screens for active cases and is over 98% accurate. Thanks to the technology that VirSENSE is using, individuals are able to determine in real time if they are COVID-19 positive, even before their bodies develop a detectable antibody response.

ARROW ELECTRONICS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER ($2,000 PRIZE)

Firebot, University of Texas at Austin

Team Member: Siddharth Thakur; Adviser: Roland Fields

Navigating safer search and rescue operations in fire situations: Firefighters face life-threatening situations while searching for human life in structural fires, leading to 33 fatalities in the past decade and 10,575 injuries in 2019 alone. Firebot, a thermally insulated, wirelessly controlled, obstacle-climbing robot, locates victims without requiring firefighters to enter burning buildings. Firefighters can deploy Firebot near an entrance and remotely steer it using a joystick and laptop displaying live video, thermal imagery and sensor data, which warns of potentially hazardous situations. Firefighters can use a two-way speaker to lead conscious victims out, or a siren and GPS map to allow them to quickly find and rescue unconscious victims, helping to mitigate risks and save lives.

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Vertex Consulting Group – Examining an Innovator

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Always reflecting on the up-and-coming leaders of the industry, 360 had a chance to connect with Vertex Consulting Group on their methodology, ethos, and results. After digging further into their company identity, their slogan, “innovative & quality solutions,” is by far an understatement of what they are capable of. With a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating based on hundreds of reviews, Vertex Consulting Group is one of the most promising agencies, or ‘power houses’ as they call it, of the latest generation. Read on to learn more about Vertex.

The History of Vertex

Let’s backtrack a bit – Vertex Consulting Group was initially founded in 2020 in Denmark by a merger of several other agencies based out of Europe, the United Arab Emirates & The United States. This global context has allowed Vertex to retain its unique point of view

When the previous firms merged & Vertex Consulting Group was created, the founders of the old firms covered each segment of their previous specialties in this new powerhouse. The secret behind their success could be their incredible resume, featuring consistency and clarity in their vast amount of previous project experience. For example, 360 learned every senior partner has at least six years of experience in their respective field which obviously creates a decent foundation for building an empire of success. With an experienced team, Vertex has been able to pivot their individual talents into a cohesive picture

Vertex Today

In particular, 360 found Vertex’s unique approach to their Spotify Management to stand out. What we are privy to witnessing here is the remodeling of music marketing as we know it. They reinvented the regular ads strategy by adding several elements from manual scraping. This is on top of the different aspect of targeting; the reach stays the same as in any other ad, but the specific targeting or the type of people that see their ads are much more likely to find it interesting. After looking further into Vertex’s behind the scenes, we are seeing an interest & a click rate with up to 500% higher than before they implemented their own strategies to the manual targeting. In an industry that is constantly shifting and where consultants can find it difficult to stay afloat, Vertex, with their singular strategy seems to ride the wave.

All in all, what Vertex Consulting Group is accomplishing is revolutionary for the music industry. It eliminates the old school playlist marketing by outnumbering it by far, while making it far easier to navigate whether musical streams are real or botted – a main issue of discussion regarding marketing in the music industry the last few years. The results their Spotify Management has had on their clients are beyond incredible. Several have expressed the belief that “This is the best service for any artist! Shout out everyone at Vertex!” and “This is definitely THE best investment I’ve ever made for my music career” proving that the right investment for up-and-coming artists can make all the difference.

From record deal signing to world tours – Vertex navigates the industry with grace. It is safe to say that Vertex Consulting Group elevates their artists’ careers on an incredible level.

Halloween Party Guide

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NEFT Vodka

Have you been waiting for something truly unique to enter the already crowded vodka market? Enter NEFT Vodka, an all-natural, ultra-premium spirit with a taste so pure and smooth we challenge you to put it up against any other brand whether neat or in your favorite cocktail. Distilled in Austria, NEFT is made from only two ingredients, 100 percent ancient rye grains and pure Austrian Alps spring water with no additives of any kind. This decidedly rare combination results in a flavorful vodka with hints of lemon, black pepper, and creamy vanilla for a slightly sweet finish. With holiday content in the works and Halloween coming soon, I thought this might be a great fit for a highlight!

Packaged in a one-of-a-kind unbreakable barrel that keeps the chilled vodka cold for up to six hours in any season, NEFT is the perfect addition to holiday celebrations and can be taken anywhere you plan to go. With Halloween season right around the corner, you can enjoy a spooky cocktail made with this NEFT Vodka recipe.

Flying Purple People Eater

1.75 oz NEFT vodka

0.75 oz white peach juice

0.25 oz lychee liqueur

2 dashes blue butterfly pea powder

Directions: Drizzle thin layer of orange oleo saccharum (or, orange cake frosting) around the inside of a martini glass. Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with a pellet of dry ice.

NEFT Vodka is $37 for a 750-mL barrel and available online.

D’USSÉ

Naturally confident and boldly outrageous, D’USSE is providing a cognac cocktail for Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a spooky Halloween bash or spending the night cozied up to the fire with festive treats, this is the ultimate cocktail to sip on.

D’USSE Cognac’s Friday the 13th cocktail filled with VSOP Cognac, Blood Orange Syrup and more. The VSOP is naturally aged for at least four and a half years, the bold and full-bodied blend of D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac is made from a selection of the finest eaux-de-vie, including some that were carefully matured in the cellars of the Château de Cognac. On the nose, it reveals a powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes. Distinctively and unexpectedly smooth, each taste reveals hints of spices and almonds with undertones of honey and dried fruits as the grand finale.

Friday The 13th

2 Parts D’usse VSOP Cognac

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 Part Blood Orange Syrup

Top with Ginger Beer

Highball & Lemon Wedge

Add D’USSÉ, lime juice and blood orange syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with ginger beer.

Santo Spirits

Halloween is right around the corner, and it would not be complete without spooky cocktails crafted with the best BOOze in town. Skip the tricks this year and treat yourself to Santo Spirits, premium tequilas made with 100% Blue Weber Agave.

Legendary Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar and culinary icon, Guy Fieri teamed up to bring to life a portfolio of authentic agave expressions with smooth and bold flavors that are sure to elevate you to a “higher spirit” this coming Halloween. Whether you are getting ready to go out and about or staying in to binge your favorite horror movies, these spooky drinks are easy to create and even easier to enjoy.

Bloody Citrus

TheBloody Citrus is the perfect cocktail to kick off mischief hour! Featuring the Santo Tequilla Blanco, it is a Santo Spirits fan favorite that will have you rolling over in your grave. Combining citrus fruit galore, this sweet cocktail is the trick to satisfy your sweet tooth this Halloween and is dressed up in spooky orange and blood-like red color.

2 oz. Santo Tequila Blanco

1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

1 oz. House-made fresh lemon sour

1 1/2 oz. Clementine and Peach flavored sparkling soda

1/2 oz. Blood orange soda

Directions: Combine all ingredients but the blood orange soda in a shaker. Shake and strain over a tall rocks glass filled with ice. Add floater of blood orange soda.

FEARFUL FIERI

TheFearful Fieri brings the heat by combining the unique favors of Guy Fieri’s Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Australian Aromatic Bitters and a Chipotle Chili Sugar Rim with Santo Mezquila. The liquid shines as its smokey notes blend with the sweetness of the brown sugar and spicy hint of chipotle that are sure to turn things up a notch this Halloween!

2 oz Santo Mezquila

1 oz Agave Nectar

1.5 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

0.5 oz Guy Fieri’s Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Australian Aromatic Bitters

Garnish: Chipotle Chili Sugar Rim

THE HAUNTED SPIRIT

The Haunted Spirit takes your taste buds to a new levelwith the unique combination of Santo Mezquila, Aperol and Yellow Chartreuse. This simple and spooky cocktail is perfect pairing for your scary movie marathon.

1 oz. Santo Mezquila

0.75 oz. Aperol

0.5 oz. Yellow Chartreuse

0.75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

0.25 oz. Agave Nectar

Sparkling Iced Spiked

In case you needed more cocktails to try out, Sparkling Ice Spiked has released their limited-edition festive flavors that just hit the seltzer scene: Cranberry Orange, Apple Cider, Raspberry Truffle and Grapefruit Juniper.

In addition to these festive flavors, Spiked is hosting a sweepstakes, called Holiday Hero, which gives 21+ consumers in eligible states the chance to win $5,000 to help fund their upcoming celebrations in true hero fashion.

Juniper Gin & Tonic

8 oz. Sparkling Ice Spiked Ruby Fizz

1 oz. Gin

1 oz. Simple Syrup

Grapefruit Slices

Lime Slices

Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge, Sage

Directions: Muddle fruit in a cocktail shaker. Add simple syrup and gin and shake with ice until chilled. Pour over ice in a tall glass. Fill with Sparkling Ice Spiked Grapefruit Juniper. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and fresh sage.

Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

6 oz. Sparkling Ice Spiked Apple Cider

1 oz. Aperol

Sliced Apple

Cinnamon Stick

Garnish: Thyme Sprig, Cinnamon & Sugar

Directions: Rim wine glass with water and dip into cinnamon sugar mix. Fill wine glass with ice and add Aperol. Fill with Sparkling Ice Spiked Apple Cider. Stir with cinnamon stick and garnish with an apple slice and sprig of time.

Raspberry Truffle Floats

Sparkling Ice Spiked Raspberry Truffle

1 Scoop Raspberry Sorbet

Garnish: Chocolate Shavings

Directions: In a wine glass add one scoop of raspberry sorbet. Fill with Sparkling Ice Spiked Raspberry Truffle. Garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings.

INDOGGO® Gin

With its laid-back California style, INDOGGO® Gin is like no other in the world. It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calories, and will leave you wanting more. Easy to mix, easy to drink, hard to forget. Iconic rapper Snoop Dogg created this remix on the traditional spirit, and these flavor-packed cocktails only require a few simple ingredients that you most likely have on hand and are perfect to sip on while watching classic Halloween films or to serve at your ghostly get togethers! Take a look at the below recipes and try them out for yourself at home.

WITCHES LEMONADE

The Witches Lemonade is a classic go-to cocktail for Halloween. This drink consists of the perfect combination of lemonade and INDOGGO® Gin for everyone to enjoy.

2 oz INDOGGO®

6 oz Fresh Lemonade

Ice cubes

Lemon slices for garnish

Directions: Combine INDOGGO® and lemonade to a glass and stir to combine. Top with ice and lemon slices.

GHOST COCKTAIL

The Ghost Cocktail is a vibrant mix of INDOGGO® Gin, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh flavor. Take your Halloween festivities to the next level with this spooky Cocktail!

1.5 oz INDOGGO®

2 oz Coconut Milk

¾ oz Lemon Juice

¾ oz Vanilla Syrup

Optional: 3-4 drops of CBD Oil Tincture

Directions: In a cocktail Shaker add INDOGGO®, coconut milk, lemon juice and vanilla syrup. Add ice and shake. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with CBD leaf and oil (optional).